There is no better way to experience Kirkham Hot Springs than from the river. Payette River Company’s Kirkham Hot Springs rafting trip puts you on the water at 4:30pm — when the light is warm, the water is perfect, and the South Fork Payette is at its most beautiful. Class III rapids, a soak at the hot springs, the jump rock, and a photo slideshow when you get back. All within 90 minutes of Boise and 2 hours of Sun Valley.
Please check in at PRC headquarters in Lowman at 4:15pm. After getting checked in, geared up, and briefed by your guides, it’s a quick 5 minute shuttle to the put-in.
The Kirkham section flows through some of the most pristine water in Idaho — draining the back of the Sawtooth Mountains through rugged Idaho backcountry with no agriculture upstream. The section features Class III rapids interspersed with calmer stretches perfect for taking in the scenery and watching for wildlife. Osprey, deer, and the occasional river otter are common on the Kirkham section.
Midway through the trip the rafts pull over at Kirkham Hot Springs — one of Idaho’s most beloved natural hot springs, right on the river’s edge. Soak in the pools, stand under the falls, and take in the surroundings. The jump rock is right here — launch into the river and swim back to the hot springs pools. It is the moment every first-timer remembers.
After the take-out a PRC shuttle picks you up for the 5 minute ride back to headquarters — great bus tunes included.
Once you have changed into dry clothes, Sean or Ginger presents a photo slideshow — shots taken from the bank while you were on the water. Every rapid, every hot springs soak, every jump off the rock. Photos are available for purchase and make the perfect reminder of an evening on the South Fork Payette.
Hungry after your trip? South Fork Lodge is just three miles downstream. Heading back to Boise? Take the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway through Idaho City or Highway 55 through Banks and Garden Valley. Returning to Sun Valley? Grab a bite in Stanley on your way home.
If you arrive early, Kirkham Hot Springs is just one mile upstream — worth a stop before your trip. Or grab a cold one at South Fork Lodge while you wait.
Our family had a great time with PRC! We went on a half–day trip and it was a lot of fun. Their equipment, organization, guides, safety, photos — everything was excellent. Absolutely recommend. -Rebecca M
Awesome experience. Definitely family friendly. We had a very funny and knowledgeable guide Jesse. The half day package was perfect for our group of 6, 4 adults and two kiddos ages 5 & 7. Really appreciate the pictures they took and the picture show at the end. -Thao Nelson
We had an awesome half day trip and are planning on going up again and doing the full day canyon trip. It was beautiful up there and our guide, Joe, made the trip even more fun. Ginger made booking super simple and she was great to work with! I would definitely recommend making the trip up here! -Kate Baucom
This place was SUPER fun! It was our first time there and my first time rafting. We did the half day trip. The pit stop at Kirkum Hot Springs was refreshing and fun! -KS
Wear quick-dry fabrics on the river — cotton holds water and drains your core temperature, which matters on cooler days. Apply sunscreen before the trip. Feel free to wear a baseball cap or visor under your helmet. Bring shoes that can get wet — tennis shoes or sandals with a heel strap work great. If you don’t have any, we rent water shoes for $5. Water is provided throughout the trip.
Please check in at 4:15pm. Trips end between 6:30 and 7:00pm depending on water level. Minimum age 5.
The Kirkham Hot Springs section is just the beginning of what Payette River Company has to offer on the South Fork Payette River.
If you want a full day on the Kirkham section — with a longer float, a riverside lunch, and more time at the hot springs — check out our Full Day Kirkham Trip.
Ready for big whitewater? The South Fork Payette Canyon section features 25 Class III/IV rapids, a portage around Big Falls, and a stop at Pine Flats Hot Springs. Minimum age 12.
Want to spend the night? Float the Kirkham section directly into Camp Woopie — our private riverside camp on a sandy beach deep in the Boise National Forest. We offer several overnight options starting at $270 per person. See all overnight trips.
Ready to get on the water? Book online at payetterivercompany.com, call or text Ginger at (208) 720-7039, or email ginger@payetterivercompany.com.